21 Days Together (1940)

 

Of all the dramas that have ever graced the Silver Screen, some are better than others. Save for the very noteworthy cast, I don't know that there's anything so remarkable about '21 days' as to demand viewership. Yet its tale is suitably compelling to keep one watching, with surprising variety and balance squeezed into only 72 minutes. I didn't necessarily expect much when I sat to watch, but ultimately I find myself quite pleased with just how good this is.

Weirdly enough all the most significant characters are sympathetic in one fashion to another, if to different degrees: Wanda, the innocent romantic; Larry, the conflicted lover; Keith, the upstanding citizen and loyal brother; John Evan, the extraordinarily guilt-ridden vagrant. The dynamics between these characters, and the law's investigation of a homicide, provide all the fuel necessary for a slight but delicious film. Even outside those principle characters, other supporting figures are given delightful quirks to help them stand out. The dialogue is quite smart at points, as is the scene writing, and the narrative at large offers a tad more complexity than one might commonly assume of titles form this era, especially those of such relatively abbreviated length. Through to the very end '21 days' rather successfully inculcates minor airs of tension and suspense. My commendations to director Basil Dean and co-writer Graham Greene, for their adapted screenplay is richer than I supposed from the outside looking in.

True, there are tinges of ham-handedness at points that are a little excessive. The transitions that the editors employ are a bit needlessly embellished. Yet these seem like such minor considerations in the grand scheme of things, especially when the whole is broadly so engaging and satisfying. Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier have splendid chemistry and give noteworthy performances in what are the two chief roles; Leslie Banks and other co-stars are steady presences. Dean's direction is firm and mindful, neatly complementing his writing, and all facets of the production contributed from behind the scenes are just swell. This may be a picture in which the storytelling is specifically the key, but no one involved was a slouch by any means.

Again, this may not be an absolute must-see, or something to go out of your way to see. It's entertaining and very deserving, but perhaps not so grabbing as to be an essential drama. All the same, I'm pleasantly surprised by how well done the feature is, and how enjoyable. If you do have the chance to check out '21 days, then as far as I'm concerned this is well worth a mere 72 minutes of one's time.